News | Latest Breaking News Stories & Headlines

Decline in restrictive practices at mental health centres

There has been a significant decline in the use of restrictive practices - such as seclusion and physical restraint - across Irish mental health services in the past seven years.

Health • 31 Jul

The site of the Clayton Hotel in Sligo was formerly St Columba's 'lunatic asylum'

Call for urgent roll-out of pilot mental health scheme

The Mental Health Commission has called for a nationwide roll out of crisis resolution teams to treat patients with mental illnesses at home.

Ireland • 18 Feb

A HSE audit in 2021 found just over 1,100 mental health beds across the HSE system

Psychiatrists warn of health risk due to bed shortage

Consultant psychiatrists have warned of a risk to patient health due to the shortage of beds for those suffering from mental illness such a bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia.

Ireland • 17 Feb

The legislation would expand the Mental Health Commission to include the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (file image)

Calls for Govt to prioritise passing Mental Health Act

The Government has been urged to prioritise legislation to reform Ireland's mental health services so it is passed before a general election is called.

Ireland • 22 Aug 24

55% of those reporting mental health issues identified workload as a contributing factor while 47% reported a perceived lack of management support, today's report shows

Warning over increasing worker mental health concerns

Mental health concerns caused 22% of worker absenteeism last year, a new report from HR professional body CIPD, in conjunction with the Kemmy Business School at University of Limerick, shows.

Business • 09 May 24

The study shows that Ireland has the highest proportion of citizens claiming that either they or a family member had an issue accessing mental health services (Stock image)

Ireland 'hardest place in EU to get mental health help'

People in Ireland experience the highest level of difficulty in accessing mental health services among citizens of the 27 EU member states, according to a new EU survey.

Europe • 11 Oct 23

Dylan Kelly and Aoibhe Smyth are youth advocates with Jigsaw

'Show us you care': teen mental health advocates' plea

On World Mental Heath Day, two young mental health advocates say they hope today's Budget delivers more funds for services in the sector.

Budget 2024 • 10 Oct 23

Professor Jim Lucey said common mental health disorders may be common, but they are not minor issues (Generic pic)

Just 1% of mental health services regulated - Inspector

The new Inspector of Mental Health Services has said that just 1% of mental health services in Ireland are regulated.

Ireland • 23 Sep 23

Kenya is one of eight countries in Africa were suicide and attempted suicide remain criminal offences

The fight to decriminalise suicide in Kenya

More than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year. On World Suicide Prevention Day, our Africa reporter Kagweni Micheni reports on the campaign to decriminalise suicide in Kenya.

World • 10 Sep 23

The report identified long waiting times as the biggest challenge in accessing CAMHS (Stock image posed by model)

Children's Ombudsman calls CAMHS report 'very worrying'

Six in ten children who attended Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in the past year had difficulty accessing the service and nearly half of those individuals said that the service that they finally received did not help with their mental health issues, according to a report.

Health • 05 May 23

Mental health issues are estimated to cost the Irish economy approximately €11 billion each year

Majority of employers not investing in mental health

A new major study from University College Cork has found that 80% of employers in Ireland are not investing in workplace mental health.

Business • 29 Mar 23

The TASC report found Ireland's state services are 'hospital-centric and lack primary mental health services' (file pic)

Ireland lacks key mental health services, report finds

A greater focus on community-based mental health services and measures to address stigma are among key proposals in a report published by TASC - the think-tank for action on social change.

Health • 23 Mar 23

Jigsaw said around 4,500 young people are accessing their online services every month

More young people access mental health supports online

In the second of a two-part series on youth mental health, young people explain how there are "less barriers" to accessing support online.

Ireland • 27 Jan 23

Carolann Copland said for some mental health supports can take months or years to access

Youth mental health services a 'minefield' - parents

In the first of a two-part series on youth mental health, parents discuss their experiences of seeking support for their children with mental health issues.

Ireland • 26 Jan 23

The Mental Health Commission said children and young people are particularly vulnerable to trauma and injury as a result of these practices

Use of mechanical restraint for children banned

A ban on the use of mechanical restraint for children has been issued by the Mental Health Commission.

Mental Health • 28 Sep 22

Ruairí Holohan is attending the Transforming Education Summit which takes place during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly

Louth teen to speak about mental health on global stage

A teenager from Co Louth is preparing to deliver a speech on mental health in schools at a major event taking place during UN General Assembly week in New York.

Education • 16 Sep 22

Prelimary figures provided to RTÉ News by the HSE show that from the beginning of 2022 to the end of July, 4,846 of 12,673 GP referrals of young people to CAMHS were not accepted (file pic)

Lives at risk over mental health failings - CPI

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has said that Government failings on mental health are putting patients' lives at risk and the body has called for an urgent overhaul of the entire system.

Ireland • 22 Aug 22

Dr Shade Olajubu Clinical Director, Minister for Justice Heken McEntee, Dr Ita Forde Director of Services Nua Healthcare

170 jobs to be created at mental health centre in Meath

Intellectual disability and mental health services provider, Nua Healthcare has said 170 jobs will be created at a new specialist centre in County Meath.

Business • 26 Apr 22

Dr Corbett said CAHMS teams around the country are not fully resourced

Child mental health services criticised in case review

A project examining children's encounters with the legal system has criticised Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for failing to engage with children in care.

Ireland • 14 Feb 22

Professor Matthew Sadlier said the problem was worse in mental health services than other areas

'Significant problem' hiring health staff, expert warns

A mental health expert has said there "is a very significant problem" in recruiting staff in the sector.

Health • 08 Feb 22

Dudes and Dogs walking group encourages men to talk more openly about their mental health.

'Dudes and Dogs' gets men walking and talking in Cork

A men's walking group in Cork is taking a fresh approach to mental health and wellness - with a little help from their four legged friends.

Ireland • 03 Feb 22

Rapper Logic performs during the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2018

Song led to increased calls for support, study shows

A song by US rapper Logic which references the name of a suicide prevention helpline led to a "notable increase" in the number of calls to the service, new research has found.

World • 16 Dec 21

Spending time in green spaces is among the list of activities recommended to maintain good mental health

Experts outline top tips for good mental health

Leading health experts have come up with a list of ways to stay mentally well, including eating healthily and staying fit.

Health • 05 Oct 21

Mary Butler thanked those who have done 'phenomenal work' to keep mental health services operational during the pandemic

Pandemic had 'serious impact' on mental health services

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a "serious impact" on mental health services, and "national solidarity" has been key to keeping services going, Minister Mary Butler has told a Dáil committee.

Politics • 14 Sep 21

More than half of parents have concerns about the long-term impact of the pandemic on their child's mental health

Survey reveals parents' concern over virus anxieties

Sixty percent of parents have identified anxiety as a long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their children's mental health.

Coronavirus • 13 Jul 21